FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for classes?
Students 8 years old as of September 30 of the Academy year will register for Level 1. Students 9 years and older will need to schedule a placement class to determine the correct Level in the Academy. Call 513-562-1111 or e-mail cbacademy@cballet.org to schedule a placement class.

If I register late in the semester, am I eligible for pro-rated tuition?

Students who enroll at the Cincinnati Ballet Academy after the semester has commenced are eligible for pro-rated tuition if the student enrolls after the third week of the term. Please understand that we will NOT be able to enroll any new students after February 1 when rehearsals begin for Spring Productions.

How does a student gain placement or advance?

Students of Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy are placed according to their ability as evaluated by the Cincinnati Ballet Academy faculty. Placement classes are required for new students ages 9 and above. If a student is unable to attend a pre-arranged day of placement classes, then he/she will be advised to attend one class at the beginning of the term. This class will serve as the student’s placement audition - he/she will be notified of the appropriate level for the rest of the term by telephone.

The placement of students is at the sole discretion of the faculty of the Cincinnati Ballet Academy. The Cincinnati Ballet Academy reserves the right to change the level in which a student is placed whenever appropriate.

Is it common to repeat a level?

Very. Each student can expect to repeat a level at least once during the course of his or her training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy. Most students repeat each level. Moving through levels too fast can have a detrimental effect on student training and can hinder progress at more advanced levels. Please be advised that even the simplest exercises are challenging when executed with precision. Many students will want to move up earlier than they are ready for it. We take proper level placement very seriously. We encourage parents to be supportive of our professional opinion, as it is in the best interest of the students.

When may a student dance on pointe?
Main Division Level 3 female students is the transition level for young dancers where they are evaluated for pointe during the year. Cincinnati Ballet Academy faculty considers the decision to place a student on pointe a serious responsibility. In keeping with that responsibility, the Cincinnati Ballet Academy strongly recommends that all students receive a formal pointe evaluation conducted by the Wellington Orthopedic Center. The evaluation measures both flexibility and strength. The final decision to place a student en pointe, based upon the pointe evaluation and classroom observation, rests with the Cincinnati Ballet Academy faculty. Students who are not able to handle the rigorous nature of pointe training, due to anatomical and technical limitations, will not be placed en pointe. The Faculty must consider each student's safety and well-being on an individual basis, with regard to anatomical structure, injury prevention, strength, flexibility, and technical ability. The Academy will notify students of the pointe evaluation date and applicable fees during Spring Semester.

Can a student take modern, jazz or musical theater?Students are encouraged to expand their dance ability with classes in jazz, modern and musical theater. Please see the Main Division Schedule for class times.

What is the dress code for elective classes?
Dress Code for musical theater and jazz for girls is pink tights with the Cincinnati Ballet uniform leotard and jazz shoes. Lyrical's dress code is pink tights with black Cincinnati Ballet uniform leotard with bare feet or dance paws. Modern dress code is Cincinnati Ballet uniform leotard with black shorts and bare legs or pink tights. No shoes required for modern.

How much does it cost?
Prices vary depending upon what level your child is in and how many classes he/she takes. Please contact the academy at 513-562-1111 to get the most recent tuition.